Three Months Later:
This was crazy. Stupid, even. Dende paced back and forth on the white tiles of the Lookout, clutching at the small velvet box in his hands. Why? Why was he nervous? He knew what she would say, this was practically a formality now. He'd probably proposed to her a thousand times over in their past lives. What made this one different? 'You weren't green in those lives.' He shook his head. Maybe it was the whole inviting her to live all the way out there at the Lookout thing. It was hardly convenient for her, with her work and such.
Jenny sighed, shifting Alice to another arm, her little girl was getting heavy. And Dende was making her dizzy. "Would you just go and propose already? Oh, wait, you had like dinner plans or something, right? At that new restaurant next to the park? Near the pond right?"
He nodded at her. Somehow he had gotten his brother to agree that Rose could live there with them. It was going to be an adjustment for him. Piccolo still didn't like having too many people around all the time. Not to mention night time, with the Namek's sensitive hearing. They were all going to have to invest in some high-quality earplugs.
"You know she's going to say yes," Piccolo said, watching his brother pace back and forth. He sighed as he crossed his arms, watching. Dende's nervous demeanor could wear on him sometimes. It was Rose, his true soul mate. They were so head-over-heels for each other, it nearly made Piccolo sick. He couldn't figure out why on earth Dende was so nervous about this. "What's gotten into you?"
Dende stopped his pacing and looked over the edge of the Lookout, at the world miles below. All was calm at the moment, like the quiet before the storm. "I just... I mean... What if... What if she doesn't want to live all the way up here?"
Jenny rolled her mouth and was about to say something, but her eldest daughter suddenly marched past her with determination in her eyes and went right up to Dende and pushed him over the side, proclaiming, "You no wait! You Go!"
Dende was not going to ever admit that it was a girlish shriek that came out of his throat as he suddenly found himself free falling, his fingers tightening around the ring box like a vice as he did. He would have to thank Paige later and he powered up and took off through the sky towards Rose's apartment, hoping she could forgive him for being a little late.
Rose paced her kitchen, her high heels clicking as she walked. Dende was late. He'd seemed nervous when he asked her to dinner this evening and for the life of her, she couldn't figure out why. Now she was getting nervous. She hoped something hadn't happened to him or one of his friends. Maybe he'd decided he didn't want to go out for some reason. People always did tend to stare at him. And he hadn't mentioned where he was taking her. He just said to dress nice. So here she was in a little black dress that was a bit too short for her long legs, her hair and makeup fixed, and not a word from Dende.
She was just about to kick off her heels and order some takeout when there was a knock at the door. Her breath caught in her chest and a wide smile split her face. She threw open the door, absolutely beaming at the Namek before her. "Hi baby," she grinned and pressed her lips to his, wrapping her arms around his neck. Oh, she would never get over this feeling. This content, butterflies, heart pounding in her ears, head over heels in love feeling. She pulled back slightly from him. "Are you okay? What took so long?"
Dende wrapped his arms around her contently; he was wearing a suit again, of all things. He chuckled at her, kissing her again before he pulled back. "I was waiting for a three year old to push me out the door. I'm sorry I'm late." He held out his arm to her, "Shall we? I hope you're hungry." He almost had to remember where he was going. There was a new restaurant near the park with this beautiful porch seating that over looked the pond and it was all done up in beautiful lights. He wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but Bulma had assured him the restaurant was vegetarian friendly and that she reserved him the best table in the house with a spectacular view of the park. "Have you tried the restaurant that's near the park yet?"
Rose slipped her hand into the crook of Dende's elbow and fell into step beside him. "Oooo! No, I haven't! I heard it's amazing, though," she smiled. Her eyes swept over him; gods, he was so handsome. And she couldn't deny the fact that she loved that he was tall enough that she could wear her heels and not be taller than him. "You look so good in that suit," she smiled.
The warm summer evening air washed over them as they walked, bringing with it the scent of the flowers in full bloom and the smell of food wafting from the restaurant. Despite the line to get in, Dende somehow got them a table without having to wait.
Dende pulled her chair out for her first, pushing her up to the table before he sat down himself. Smiling at her, he could barely remember what he had been so nervous about. Their table was small enough to be close, but big enough for their plates that would come. He reached across the table, taking her hand in his, swallowing deeply, "You are breathtaking, as always. I've never seen anyone so beautiful." He reached out and brushed a lock of her hair behind her ear.
Rose felt her face go hot as he touched her. She squeezed his hand and smiled. "Thank you, my love," she answered softly. "You look amazing as well." The soft lights overhead cast a beautiful glow around them. The view of the pond was spectacular. Rose couldn't stop smiling to save her life. She barely noticed as the waiter came and took their order; she just couldn't tear her eyes away from Dende. "How did I ever get so lucky to have you in my life?" she asked.
Dende looked at her seriously, cupping her cheek, "The gods really didn't want us to get together this time. They made me another species on another planet." He shook his head, "I can't wait to do this, Rose. I apologize. I was going to take you on a walk through the park after dinner, but I have to know. My love, my dearest heart." He got up and went to her side and dropped to one knee, reaching into his pocket pulling out the ring box, opening it and presenting it to her. "Would you do me the greatest honor and live with me up on the top of the world as my wife? Will you marry me?"
Rose gasped as Dende presented the beautiful ring. She felt tears well up in her eyes as he looked up at her, looking nervous and excited at the same time. "YES!" she cried, "A millions times YES!" She threw herself forward, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately. Her heart was soaring as a single happy tear rolled down her cheek. "I love you," she whispered against his lips before she kissed him again. And again. His wife. She couldn't think of anything she could ever want more. Going home to him every single night for the rest of her life. She finally withdrew from him and held out her left hand, trying to steady it as it shook with excitement.
Dende was shaking as well as he took the ring from the box and held her hand gently as he slipped the ring on to it. He smiled up at her widely, "Oh my gods, Rose." He kissed her again, wrapping her up in his arms, his nose touching hers. "Are you sure? It's a long way to the Lookout. Though, you know I would travel a million miles and more for you. Lightyears, even." He grinned. He already had, thanks to Goku.
"As long as I get to come home to you, I don't care how far it is," she answered, staring into his gorgeous black eyes. She lightly pressed her lips to his again, still staring into his eyes. "You really want me to come live with you? Are Jenny and Piccolo okay with that?"
Dende nodded, standing up and going back to his seat, his hand never breaking from Rose's. "We had a long, long talk about it, and we decided we have plenty of room to include you in the family space." He chuckled, "Jenny said she'd buy earplugs for the wild nights," He blushed deeply, but he was grateful, "It will work." He smiled at her and pressed her fingers to his lips.
"You just made me the happiest woman in the entire world," Rose smiled, wiping away a tear with her free hand. "I can't think of anything more that I could want for the rest of my life." Rose felt like she must be dreaming. This was too good to be true. The waiter placed their food before them and Dende thanked him. Rose barely glanced at her food. "I think I may be too excited to eat," she giggled, but picked up her fork with her free hand and took a bite. "Oh my gosh," she gushed, still holding Dende's hand, "this is amazing."
Dende sighed happily, not even paying attention to the food, "Yes, you are." He kissed her hand again and they both ate their meal, the world busy around them, but time stood still when their eyes met. It seemed as though their meal was over in seconds when in fact it had been hours. The sky was bright with the full moon, stars scattered about, as if the very forces of nature were trying to make this night perfect.
Dende led Rose through the park, the soft warm lights, dancing in the trees lighting their path, "I'll help you move, of course. We can pack things into capsules to make it easier. I'm sure Bulma has some we can borrow. Goku will probably want to help. He will make it easy."
"I can't wait to tell everyone," Rose smiled, leaning her head against Dende's shoulder as they walked. Her mind suddenly filled with all sorts of questions. When could they get married? How big of a wedding? What dress would she wear? What color flowers? Her mind was whirling with options and she shook her head, blushing slightly. She knew Dende surely heard her thoughts that time. She giggled, "So did you tell anyone besides Piccolo and Jenny? You know, that you were going to propose?"
Dende chuckled at the thoughts of his other half, "Aside from Bulma, no, but you should know, they all were expecting it any way. I doubt our news will come as a surprise, but rest assured, they will act it. That's the family for you." He smiled at her, "I'm glad you decided to be part of it." He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer.
Rose pressed up against him, stealing another kiss. "I guess I should start packing, huh?" she giggled. "I don't suppose I could stay the night tonight? Or you could stay with me so Piccolo could actually get a night's sleep."
Dende chuckled and swept her up into his arms, "I would love to spend the night with you. In your bed, surrounded by your scent. Sounds like a slice of heaven to me." He lifted off the ground, carrying them to her apartment building. "I'll help you start packing, too. I cannot wait to have you at the Lookout. The last thing I see when I go to sleep, the first thing I see when I wake."
Rose giggled and rubbed her nose against Dende's as he carried her into the apartment and up the stairs. His antennae brushed against her forehead, making her smile and blush. Oh, the things she wanted to do with those. She wanted to bring him every possible pleasure that she could. She kissed him deeply as he carried her into the apartment, sliding her tongue against his, drinking in the fresh taste of him, shivering as she felt his fangs lightly scrape against her lip.
Dende kicked the door closed behind him, leaning in and nibbling her neck, sighing happily. He could hear her thoughts and he chuckled, "You are too kind, my dear, but it is as they say, ladies first?" He picked her up, placing her on her bed, sitting down next to her. "Though you are too beautiful, almost too pretty to unwrap."
Rose cupped Dende's cheek in her hand, stroking her thumb across his lips. He looked so amazing in the low light; her heart raced again at the thought of him spending the night with her tonight. Every night from now on they could be together. Her hands went to his tie, slowly loosing it from his neck, and she began to pop open the buttons of his shirt, never taking her eyes from his. "All I want to do is make you happy," she whispered.
The Namek lifted his hands up, sliding her straps from her shoulders, placing kisses to her bare flesh. He reached around, sliding down the zipper, helping her from her dress. His breath hitched, "I was wrong. Clothing should never hide such beauty." He leaned down and kissed her carefully, "You always make me happy. After so many years alone, all I need is you by my side to make me happy."
Final Author's Note: Thanks once again to all of our readers and reviewers! Can you believe we edited and posted this whole thing in only one week? YEAH, BITCHES! JC 87 and I will start the next story tonight. It will NOT go up as quickly as this one did because we only have the basic ideas for it so far. We don't have the chapters written out like we did for this story. We don't have a title for it yet, but if you guys want, I can send you links through the PM here when the first chapter gets posted. Just leave me a message or a review if you want me to do that! You guys are awesome and we hope you enjoyed this story and that you will stick around for the next one!
